Part of the burnt market
Traders at Afful Nkwanta in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region have lost millions of Ghana cedis after a deadly fire swept through the market, destroying over 150 stalls.
It took the intervention of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to contain the massive blaze that ravaged the market.
Speaking to OTEC News reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng, affected traders, who were still counting their losses, said they had lost wares worth millions of cedis.
“Most of the affected shops were housing fashion and shoe-making materials. Some had even finished their goods and were waiting to supply them to their customers.”
“These items cost millions of cedis. I myself lost 80,000 cedis in the fire disaster,” one of the victims cried out.
A report by the GNFS said the fire, which broke out on Monday, January 25, 2026, at around 10:41 p.m., was brought under control at 2:30 a.m. and fully extinguished by 4:08 a.m.
According to the report, the fire was already at an advanced stage when firefighters arrived at the scene, having spread rapidly due to congestion and the lack of segregation of wares.
However, swift reinforcement from nearby fire stations and the availability of a functional fire hydrant prevented the blaze from spreading to adjoining structures.
Miraculously, no casualties were recorded in the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Peter Tetteh, praised the firefighting crew, led by ADO I Bright Amuzu, for their professionalism and dedication to duty.
The GNFS also commended the public for their support and cooperation during the operation.
The market, a major trading hub in Kumasi, is expected to suffer significant economic losses following the fire outbreak.
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